Sen. Carper Encourages Homeowners to Look for Ways to Reduce Energy Usage

WILMINGTON – On Sept. 30, 2011, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee’s Clean Air subcommittee, walked through a home energy analysis on his Wilmington, Del. home with an energy engineer to learn ways he can reduce his home’s energy consumption and to encourage others to do the same.

The analysis included a tour of the residence to point out tips and tactics where energy savings can be found, a smart meter overview, and a plan to increase energy savings in the future.

“One great way homeowners in Delaware and across the country can save money and help the environment is to reduce energy use,” said Sen. Carper. “By implementing these simple, but effective, energy-saving ideas, my home as well as other homeowners are making a smart investment for the future.”

In May, Sen. Carper introduced legislation to save taxpayer money by reducing federal agencies’ energy use. The Reducing Federal Energy Dollars Act of 2011 (S. 963) would implement a comprehensive package of proposals to strengthen federal energy management efforts by encouraging and supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in federal facilities. Among other proposals, the legislation calls on federal agencies to report on how much energy they use and how much that energy cost American taxpayers.

Homeowners can perform energy audits themselves or hire a professional. For more information, tips and tools, go to http://www.energysavers.gov or www.energizedelaware.org.

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